40's SS

[jss]

What is the difference, if any, between 48-53 SS, besides the date codes, and the color of the boxes they were sold in? Are any of these razors more valuable than others? The 48's seem to be the most highly sought after. Is there a reason for their elevated status in the DE shaving kingdom? Thanks in advance for your answers.

[MTgrayling]

I don't think there is any difference, I have a '47 that is a RT/SS hybrid but I think that it's rare. The '47s seem to be the most valuable being the original Super Speed easily recognizable with the un-notched post. The undated 48's to 50's cannot be distinguished without a case as far as I know. They all shave the same to me, except for the hybrid of mine.

[jss]

Thanks MT. To the untrained eye I was thinking along the lines of your reply. The information on the '47 and the identification by case is interesting. Did I read somewhere that the head remained the same on all the SS from about '48 to '57? Is that somewhat accurate?

[Slant-Fan]

Thanks MT. To the untrained eye I was thinking along the lines of your reply. The information on the '47 and the identification by case is interesting. Did I read somewhere that the head remained the same on all the SS from about '48 to '57? Is that somewhat accurate?

Sometime in '54 the TTO knob changed from the early style to the flare tip. I am not sure if the head angle changed. You can find both styles with the Z date code but I think that was the last year for the early model.

[MTgrayling]

The information on the '47 and the identification by case is interesting. Did I read somewhere that the head remained the same on all the SS from about '48 to '57? Is that somewhat accurate?

I could be wrong, but this is how I think Gillette packaged the first Super Speeds. The '48 came in a cardboard case with a cool Super Speed demonstration/explanation on the top inside cover. The '49-'50's were packed in the fairly common clear/red styrene cases. Sometime in late 1950 they got date codes.

As for the heads they look the same until 1960 when they got a shallower design. These shave differently with some people liking them better and others preferring the older taller heads, me included.

[thirdeye]

As for the heads they look the same until 1960 when they got a shallower design. These shave differently with some people liking them better and others preferring the older taller heads, me included.

I just looked at two 1960 SS Flare tips I have, F2 is the tall head and the F4 is the shallow head.
So MT your right on again.

[MTgrayling]

The '47s seem to be the most valuable being the original Super Speed easily recognizable with the un-notched post.

OK after re-reading this I don't think it's accurate. Why would they call a '47 a Super Speed before they had the speedy notch in the post? Just what were the first SS's called?

[Shave Cat]

I have both a '53 SS and a '56 red tip. Obviously, the red tip is heavier, but I was wondering if the heads are different. To my eyes, they may be identical, but I'm not sure. Sometimes I think the head on the red tip is just a tad taller. Anyone know for sure?

-Clarke

[MTgrayling]

I have both a '53 SS and a '56 red tip. Obviously, the red tip is heavier, but I was wondering if the heads are different. To my eyes, they may be identical, but I'm not sure. Sometimes I think the head on the red tip is just a tad taller. Anyone know for sure?

-Clarke

I think they are similiar in height. The red tip will have a bit more blade exposure though.

[Slant-Fan]

OK after re-reading this I don't think it's accurate. Why would they call a '47 a Super Speed before they had the speedy notch in the post? Just what were the first SS's called?

According to Krumholz the SS came out in '47 in a cardboard box amid much fanfare and cost a buck.

[MTgrayling]

According to Krumholz the SS came out in '47 in a cardboard box amid much fanfare and cost a buck.

Thanks for the information Slant Fan.